The City of Gloucester’s crown jewels includes several gorgeous beaches that hug the perimeter of the City. Whether you are an avid swimmer, a bookworm, a body surfer, or one that likes to explore the beach, the City of Gloucester’s beaches await. With seven beautiful beaches, Gloucester has what you are looking for when you are heading out for a day of fun in the sun. Gloucester’s beaches have ranked high on several lists (see links below for a small sampling of reviews). Due to the popularity of our beautiful beaches, we have many visitors so if you are planning to visit please make your parking reservations in advance. The parking capacity is limited depending upon which beach you plan to visit.
You will see why Gloucester’s nickname is "The Place to be in the Summer".
Good Harbor Beach
Dogs Prohibited: April 1st – September 30th
Located on Thatcher Road/Route 127A, Good Harbor is a beautiful beach with lovely white sand. At low tide, one can walk out to Salt Island, while at high tide, one can enjoy body surfing or boogie boards. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Inflatable objects and all flotation devices (with the exception of Styrofoam boogie boards) are prohibited during the hours lifeguards are on duty. For details on the surfing regulations, please visit the Beach Rules and Regulations. Alcohol is also prohibited. Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In-Carry Out' Policy for Good Harbor and Wingaersheek beaches. Please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are also available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. During periods of inclement weather, all facilities may close early. Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle, and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle. (After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rates charged, weather permitting.)
Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via the reservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate for parking. The gates open at 8:00 am and are locked at 9:00 pm. The beach is handicapped accessible, with approximately 16 handicapped spaces in the lot and a drop-off space near the footbridge. A beach wheelchair is also available; ask at the collection booth upon arrival or ask the lifeguards for information. Buses are prohibited from the parking lot and any large groups must receive a permit ($25 per permit).
Directions: Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. Follow the signs for East Gloucester/Rockport. Go 3/4 of the way around the two rotaries (essentially taking the third right off of each rotary). At the first traffic light, you have two options: The first option is to turn left onto Eastern Avenue and follow Eastern Avenue for approximately 3/4 of a mile, the shopping/Shaw’s Plaza will be on your right; turn right onto Barn Lane after the plaza. At the end of Barn Lane, turn left onto Thatcher Road and the beach lot will be on your right. If you go straight through the first light, you will then take a left onto Bass Avenue at the next light. Follow Bass Avenue to Thatcher Road and turn left onto Thatcher Road. The parking lot will be on your right.
Half Moon Beach
Half Moon is a small quiet beach located in historic Stage Fort Park. It gets its name from the crescent shape of the beach. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Restrooms are located nearby at the Visitor Center and there are plenty of areas to enjoy a picnic or cookout. Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via the reservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the parking lot gate.Alcohol, flotation devices, and inflatable objects are prohibited. The beach is handicapped accessible with a concrete ramp leading down to the beach area.
Directions:Take Exit 53 off Route 128 North. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Route 133. Follow to the end with the Harbor in front of you. Turn right onto Western Avenue and then turn left into Stage Fort Park.
Niles Beach
Niles BeachLocated on Eastern Point Road in East Gloucester, this beach is enjoyed primarily by residents. Parking is limited and restricted to vehicles with a resident beach sticker. Porta–Potties are available and lifeguards are on duty from Fathers Day weekend to Labor Day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. Alcohol, flotation devices, and inflatable objects are prohibited.
Directions:Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. When approaching the rotary, take the second exit continuing straight. At the second rotary, continue to take the second exit to stay on Route 128 North. Continue straight onto East Main Street for 1.6 miles, following the signs to East Gloucester. Take a slight right turn onto Eastern Point Boulevard and Niles Beach will be on the right.
Cressy’s Beach
Located at the lower end of Historic Stage Fort Park, this rocky beach overlooks the beautiful Gloucester Harbor. This is a great place to spend the day as you can sit and observe the activities on the Harbor, have a picnic or cookout, play games in the park, or just relax with a good book. Restrooms are located nearby in the park and there is a privately owned restaurant that is open to the public. Parking is available in the park’s lot at a rate of $20 per vehicle on weekdays and $25 on weekends and holidays. Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via thereservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate for parking. Alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park and beach.
Directions:Take Exit 53 off Route 128 North. At the bottom of the ramp, turn right onto Route 133. Follow to the end and you will see the Harbor in front of you. Turn right onto Western Avenue and then turn left into Stage Fort Park.
Pavilion Beach
This beach is located on the Eastern end of Stacy Boulevard in the area known as "The Fort". Parking is very limited and there are no restrooms. Porta–Potties are available a short distance away on the Boulevard. Alcohol is prohibited and the beach is not guarded.
Pavilion Beach is also the home of the "Greasy Pole Challenge" held during the world-renowned St. Peter’s Fiesta celebrated each June to honor the patron saint of the fishermen, St. Peter. There is also a blessing of the fleet during the event. For more information on this multi-day event which includes carnival rides, food, and entertainment, to name a few, visit the St. Peter’s Fiesta website.
Directions:Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. Take the first right off of the rotary onto Washington Street. In 1 mile, Washington Street veers slightly right and becomes Middle Street. Take your first left on to Angle Street then turn right onto Commercial Street. Turn left to stay on Commercial Street. Pavilion Beach will be located on your right next to the Beauport Hotel.
Plum Cove Beach
Located on Washington Street in the northern section of the City, this small, quiet beach has been enjoyed by families in Lanesville for many years. This is a great beach to bring small children due to the small confines of the beach. Parking is limited and restricted to vehicles with a resident beach sticker. Lifeguards are on duty from Fathers Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Alcohol, flotation devices, and inflatable objects are prohibited.
Directions:Take Route 128 North into Gloucester. Take the third exit off of the rotary onto Washington Street. Follow Washington Street for 4 miles. Plum Cove Beach will be on your left.
Wingaersheek Beach
Situated in the western part of Gloucester at the end of Atlantic Street off Route 133 and Concord Street, this beautiful beach runs along the Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay. At low tide, the beach extends out for hundreds of yards and a long sandbar is exposed, making for a great place to walk. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Surfing, inflatable objects and all flotation devices are prohibited during the hours the lifeguards are on duty. Alcohol is prohibited on the beach and Gloucester has adopted a 'Carry In–Carry Out’ policy at Wingaersheek and Good Harbor beaches so please be prepared to carry out any trash with you when you leave. Food, drinks, beach toys, and other beach necessities are available at the concession. Restrooms and showers are also available from 9:00am to 6:00pm daily. During periods of inclement weather, all facilities may close early. Parking is available during the week at a rate of $30 per vehicle and on the weekends and holidays at $35 per vehicle. After Labor Day, beaches may be open with reduced rate charges, weather permitting.
The gates open at 8:00am and are locked at 9:00pm. Parking reservations are required for non-resident beachgoers and can be made via the reservation system. Cash will no longer be accepted at the gate for parking. The beach is handicapped accessible with approximately 16 handicapped spaces in the lot. A beach wheelchair is available – ask at the collection booth upon arrival or ask the lifeguards for information. Buses are allowed only during weekdays at a rate of $45 per bus to park. Buses are not allowed to drop off groups and park elsewhere without first paying the parking fee. All groups attending must make a reservation and receive a permit (fee is $25 per permit) before arriving.
Directions:Take Route 128 North to Exit 54. At the bottom of the ramp, turn left onto Concord St and follow for about 1 to 1-½ miles. You will see a traffic island with a sign saying Wingaersheek Beach. Turn right onto Atlantic Street and follow to the end. Both Concord Street and Atlantic Street are narrow and windy roads with many curves, so please drive carefully and observe the speed limits not only for your own safety but for the safety of those who may be walking along the road. As you turn onto Atlantic Street, look for the beach parking lot. If the "lot full" sign is out, it means that the lot is at capacity and is closed to non-residents and non-resident sticker holders, only those with a resident beach sticker can gain access to the lot.
Reviews of Gloucester’s Beaches
Boston Magazine’s - 100 Best Beaches in Massachusetts
New England Today - Prettiest Beaches in New England
Discover New England - Beaches
Boston Globe Magazine - What are the Best Beaches in New England
Dog Owners: Please review Rules and Regulations related to dogs and public spaces including City beaches. Please note that dogs are allowed on "Crab Beach" off-leash at all times subject to the conditions contained in GCO Sec. 4-16a.
